Aug. 27 fire destroys Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity
house

An Aug. 27 fire caused extensive damage to
the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity house at 800 Lincoln. Students were
scheduled to move in the following day. Photo by Bob
Kalmbach

The origin of a fire that destroyed the Sigma
Alpha Mu fraternity house Aug. 27 is undetermined, according
to a report issued Sept. 2 by Ann Arbor Police and Fire Department
investigators.

The fire caused extensive damage to the structure,
located at 800 Lincoln. The building was empty at the time of the fire.
Eighteen students were scheduled to move into the house Aug. 28. No one
was injured in the blaze and the students did not lose any personal
belongings.

Investigators have been unable to rule out all
accidental causes, which is necessary to make a definite determination of
arson, the report stated.

Immediately following the fire, which
was originally labeled an arson by investigators, the University increased
security around its fraternities and sororities. While we are
encouraged that this may not be arson, neither can it be ruled out,
said Royster Harper last week. The University will continue the increased
security patrols until a clearer determination is made, said Harper,
interim vice president for student affairs.

Other housing has been
found for the students.

The national fraternity, founded in 1909 as a
Jewish fraternity, established its U-M chapter in 1928 and opened its
doors to non-Jewish students in 1953.

The local chapter was closed by
the national organization early in 1995 for a number of disciplinary
issues, and the property was leased to Tau Epsilon Phi, whose members
resided there through Aug. 15. A new chapter of Sigma Alpha Mu that
included none of the original members was organized last fall and
officially recognized by the Interfraternity Council in April.

Harper
said Student Affairs staff are working with students and their
families to provide support and assist them in dealing with this tragic
situation.